my patient can't speak english...
By chiumee
@chiumee (850)
Philippines
October 10, 2010 9:23am CST
i received a patient at work. he is italian. he only knows his original language and french. i know english and arabic aside from my original language and dialect. my patient can't speak any english word. i had to check from the net some translations of few instructions i have to give him for every session of physical therapy. it's a big challenge for me to deliver the treatment right and to get his feedback as well. it's good we got connection in the office.
4 responses
@achilles2010 (3051)
• India
10 Oct 10
I think you must try and find some person who can act as an interpreter between you both. You cannot rely on internet. Your instructions are likely to be misunderstood with disastrous results. I ask you to be careful.
1 person likes this
@chiumee (850)
• Philippines
13 Oct 10
you are right. my first time to meet the patient, i was lucky enough to have the patient's personal physician visit him at the same time. so i had the chance to give him instructions and introduce myself. i know what you mean. but i think italian and french have specific words for everything.
@chiumee (850)
• Philippines
13 Oct 10
actually, my sister in law's family are based in italy. my friend's family is also in italy. some acquaintances i have, are living in italy. but i never had the interest to learn it. as a matter of fact, i would not know how to speak arabic until i arrived in my workplace. i realized not all local people even if they are educated, will be able to speak or understand english.
@greenline (14838)
• Canada
13 Oct 10
There are a number of companies which are providing language interpreter services these days. They are doing a wonderful job, handling many many different languages of countries around the world. I don't know what the fees are for the services. But, I am sure they are quite reasonable.
@chiumee (850)
• Philippines
13 Oct 10
which i'm afraid the company where i'm working now won't provide us with this service. not even the doctors know how to communicate with the patients. so at least i try to do my job with some success in some ways. as these doctors also want me to accomplish their orders. tough job huh!
@cowboyofhell (3063)
• Philippines
10 Oct 10
i also wish to speak korean but in this age where can i find the time to learn the korean language. much time is needed in learning a new language and not as simple as abc. good thing the korean girls i met at edsa knew how to speak little english and that i wasn't the only one who can give them directions for my luck led me with meeting them and one of the two korean girls asked me, "is this sm" 3x. i couldn't remember might be more than 3x.
@chiumee (850)
• Philippines
10 Oct 10
i learned arabic best by listening to conversations rather than reading a dictionary. there are words that cannot be spelled in english alphabet. the sound, the intonation or the way you should speak the word can change its meaning. better have someone to teach you. goodluck.
